
Spectacle in the Roman World
Hazel Dodge(Author)
Bristol Classical Press
Published on 27. January 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
104 pages
978-1-85399-696-2 (ISBN)
Description
Gladiatorial combat, animal displays, naumachiae (staged naval battles) and spectacular executions were all an important part of Roman culture. The provision of a wide range of purpose-built buildings (from theatres to amphitheatres to circuses) as venues across the empire is testimony to the popularity and significance of these displays. This book offers an introduction to the main forms of spectacle in the Roman world (human and animal combat, chariot racing, aquatic displays), their nature, context and social importance. It will explore the vast array of sources, from literary to archaeological material, that informs the subject. It will examine the spectacles with special emphasis on their physical setting, and will also consider the variation in the provision of venues and their context across the Empire. A final section will review the modern reception of Roman spectacles, especially those involving gladiators.
Reviews / Votes
Spectacle in the Roman World provides what the Classical World Series sets out to do, namely, giving beginner students an introduction to a central Roman topic. Its strengths are the inclusion of areas beyond the city of Rome and the discussion of all types of sources. Hopefully, Spectacle in the Roman World will encourage students to understand that buildings, texts, archaeological material and inscriptions together can provide a fuller picture of ancient cultural contexts. -- Ida OEstenberg, University of Gothenburg * Opuscula * This new introduction by Dodge is a welcome addition. The compact form and precise scope make Spectacle in the Roman World a handy guide for a reader with little or no Latin, and only elementary knowledge of ancient Rome. -- Kalle Knaapi * Arctos *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
145 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-85399-696-2 (9781853996962)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Hazel Dodge is Louis Claude Purser Senior Lecturer in Classical Archaeology, Trinity College Dublin, and author (with Peter Connolly) of The Ancient City (1998).
Content
Acknowledgements
Note on Sources, Spelling and Abbreviations
1. Approaching Roman Spectacle
2. The Circus and Chariot Racing
3. Gladiators and Gladiatorial Displays
4. Animals and Spectacle
5. Naumachiae and Aquatic Displays
6. Spectacle in Late Antiquity
7. Roman Spectacle: Ancient Contexts and Modern Perceptions
Appendix: Roman Buildings for Spectacle
Further Reading
Index
Note on Sources, Spelling and Abbreviations
1. Approaching Roman Spectacle
2. The Circus and Chariot Racing
3. Gladiators and Gladiatorial Displays
4. Animals and Spectacle
5. Naumachiae and Aquatic Displays
6. Spectacle in Late Antiquity
7. Roman Spectacle: Ancient Contexts and Modern Perceptions
Appendix: Roman Buildings for Spectacle
Further Reading
Index